The Situation
A large producer of concrete blocks, based in Suffolk, was using a considerable number of hydraulic hoses at their main production facility. As part of the maintenance of their hoses, the customer was frequently relying on the services of a nationwide mobile hose repairer. The customer was paying a premium cost for the convenience of this service, and for what were ultimately, standard products.
The Solution
A fluid power engineer from the customer’s local HAYLEY DEXIS branch visited the plant to determine how the maintenance of systems could be optimised. A lineside survey of the plant, as well as the implementation of a “Hose Management System” were recommended, with the comprehensive hydraulic hose capabilities of HAYLEY DEXIS also highlighted as a source of support. All existing hoses at the plant were surveyed, logged, and tagged. Damaged and old hoses were reported and replaced, to avoid any unwanted breakdowns. Stocks of replacement hoses were also secured for the customer to hold on-site and at the nearest HAYLEY DEXIS branch, to guarantee availability.
"REPLACEMENT HOSES ARE NOW READILY AVAILABLE IN THE CUSTOMERS’ OWN STORES."
The Result
The maintenance costs associated with hoses at the plant have been reduced by £15000 annually. A significant proportion of this cost-saving is attributed to the customer being more self-sufficient, with the need for expensive call-outs being eradicated. Replacement hoses are now readily available in the customers’ own stores, or via HAYLEY DEXIS, minimising not only cost, but also the time taken to complete a repair. All hoses in the on-site stores are now logged in a “Smart System”, to make it even easier for engineers to restock components.